Is 71,000 miles good value on the original clutch?

Si_GTi · Post by **Si_GTi** » Wed May 31, 2006 6:07 pm

Guys and gals,

My car has been in for it's annual service today, and its all been carried out beautifully as usual - they even washed my car for me (don't usually) - and of course I got my free safety check...

Only one comment made by the technician who worked on it today - "stiff clutch". The dealership are convinced (and my Dad is too) that the clutch is in need of replacement very soon. So I took a deep breath and asked the inevitable. The answer is: in the region of Â£470 fitted

Question is, I've covered 71,000 miles now on the original clutch. Had a new cable in August 2004 but otherwise all original parts. Is this about right for the life of a clutch? I get the feeling my bank balance is about to be very empty

In my experience the clutch action has always been somewhat stiff compared to any other car and the bite is a bit snappish but otherwise its OK!

Cheers

Redline · Post by **Redline** » Wed May 31, 2006 6:10 pm

Have you thought about taking it to an independt VW garage? Get a second opinion, and see how much they'll quote you for.

Also if you're going to spend that much on a new clutch, could be an idea to look at fitting a Sachs one.

Si_GTi · Post by **Si_GTi** » Wed May 31, 2006 6:19 pm

Yeah a second opinion is on the cards! Can't just take their word for it, bottom line is that they're out to make money just like every other bugger

ICEYPOLO · Post by **ICEYPOLO** » Wed May 31, 2006 6:30 pm

that is very good, considering the problems with the pedla box often knocked other components of the gearbox out of alignment thats damn good mileage... mine was 40k before i changed it and it was horrible!

i paid Â£300 for a sachs clutch fitted to give you an idea, and that means its not an exchange part with refurbed plates like the original VW parts that the dealer will fit!

scott

Redline · Post by **Redline** » Wed May 31, 2006 6:31 pm

Was there a noticeable difference from fitting the Sachs clutch?

ICEYPOLO · Post by **ICEYPOLO** » Wed May 31, 2006 6:35 pm

yeah the pedal was immediately lighter and when i let off the gas at bout 4/5 k there used to be a jerk which disappeared with the new clutch fitted...

cant comment on a new VW part against a new sachs clutch tho as mine was on its way out when i got it!

scott

Si_GTi · Post by **Si_GTi** » Wed May 31, 2006 6:56 pm

I asked about the possibilty of providing them with a non-OEM clutch to fit and they'd be happy to do it, they can gaurantee the work but not the part. Sachs clutch is mighty mighty tempting now

To fit a clutch and the necessary ancilliaries inc clutch cable is quoted as 3.4hrs of labour, over Â£200 alone!

omicron · Post by **omicron** » Wed May 31, 2006 9:19 pm

Depends on your driving style. My escort's on 130k with what I believe to be it's first clutch. It's all down to how you look after them.

Prash · Post by **Prash** » Wed May 31, 2006 10:02 pm

Si_GTi wrote:I asked about the possibilty of providing them with a non-OEM clutch to fit and they'd be happy to do it, they can gaurantee the work but not the part. Sachs clutch is mighty mighty tempting now

To fit a clutch and the necessary ancilliaries inc clutch cable is quoted as 3.4hrs of labour, over Â£200 alone!

Simon, when I was looking at replacing the polo clutch with a sach kit the labour charge was about half that and that was from an independant vw specialist ! think it would have come to just under 200 including the clutch maybe a bit less. 70k on the original clutch is mighty impressive though !

JWC · Post by **JWC** » Wed May 31, 2006 10:05 pm

Stiff clutch seems to be the way they are.

Modern clutches don't last as long as say a clutch from the 90's, because they no longer make them from asbestos.

theclient · Post by **theclient** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:14 am

i got my sachs clutch fitted by a vw specialist after getting quoted over 600 to have a new one fitted by vw!!!

go on euro car parts, call your nearest branch, give them your reg and say you want a sachs clutch kit (inc plate, bearing etc)

http://www.eurocarparts.co.uk/branch_locations.htm

this cost just over Â£90 then get a quote from a local vw specialist mine charged me about Â£140 for everything including a new vw clutch cable. (which is worth doing at the same time)

the sachs kit feels alot lighter through the pedal and just generally feels alot more positive, for example when your using clutch control in traffic on hills etc etc.

P.s my original clutch was knackered at about 55k (previous women owner) - it was completly shagged when the mechanic showed me, when i collected the car. its even improved the overall feel of the gearchanges etc because its engaging properly. very smooth.

p.p.s the specialist i use is - http://www.colingunning.co.uk superb place

hope this helps

Tony B · Post by **Tony B** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:04 pm

Yeah, i agree with the general consensus that you should be looking at about Â£250 - Â£300 quid for an independant to fit you a SACHs clutch.

Mine was Â£230 but its a mate's garage.

- and yeah, i wish i got 70k out of my first clutch......managed about 40k

Si_GTi · Post by **Si_GTi** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 6:15 pm

Sachs clutch kit it is then! This will have to wait until after I return from my holiday later this month though

but I'll get the Sachs kit from Euro Car Parts (thanks Gareth) and get it sorted ASAP!

Can anyone recommend a VW specialist in the Midlands that would do a good job?

ICEYPOLO · Post by **ICEYPOLO** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 6:52 pm

if you can get over to JBS in chesterfield their prices are always competitive... and i'd recommend the guys are sound there!

don't know of anyone really close to you tho!?

scott

Si_GTi · Post by **Si_GTi** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 8:35 pm

JBS are always an option!